The Global Risk & Compliance (GRC) organization serves as American Express’ independent risk management function. GRC maintains the enterprise risk framework, provides oversight and challenge, and monitors key risks. By embedding risk discipline into strategy and operations, GRC enables responsible growth, innovation, and long-term value creation while protecting customers and shareholders.
The UK CRO function is part of the Int’l CRO team, within Global Risk and Compliance (GRC). It is responsible for identifying and overseeing risk across all processes.
The Director, Risk Governance and Frameworks, UK, within the GRC organization, is responsible for establishing the second line of defense governance structure, risk framework and risk policy library for the UK. We are seeking an experienced risk leader to be a part of this exciting journey. The incumbent will lead a team of risk professionals to design, implement, oversee and keep updated the risk governance structure, risk framework and risk policy library for our UK businesses.
Responsibilities- Own the Risk Governance Framework and the Risk Governance Committee structure;
- Own ILE IRM policies and Risk Governance Framework and support localized ILE deployment and execution of AXP 2nd Line frameworks;
- Own the Risk Appetite Framework and ensure adherence to ILE Risk Appetite through challenge of Risk Appetite statements, metrics, limits and management action plans;
- Build and maintain relationships with Enterprise teams to ensure that ILE input to Enterprise risk policies and frameworks is sought and reflected;
- Ensure that ILE frameworks and policies are embedded and adhered to and that risk is governed in accordance with the ILE Risk Governance Framework;
- Ensure Governance Committees are appropriately structured, staffed and operate in accordance with their Terms of Reference;
- Support successful escalation of risks to BRC, Board and IRMC, and ensure that risks escalated are adequately resolved;
- Oversee remediation of priority issues, OREs, RAPs and MAPs;
Minimum Qualifications
- 8+ years of leadership experience in risk management, compliance, treasury, controllership, or a similar role;
- Strong analytical skills and business acumen with a risk-reward control perspective; and the ability to balance commercial objectives with sound risk management;
Strong understanding of UK market regulatory requirements and the payments industry;
- Experience in interacting with regulators and familiarity with UK’s regulatory landscape and requirements;
- Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple priorities under pressure;
- Fluency in English (verbal and written);
- Advanced degree in business, economics, engineering, or a related field; professional certifications such as FRM, CFA, are valued;
Leadership Skills:
- Proven leader who can build, inspire, and coach a team with a passion for the business;
- Excellent relationship and influencing1 skills with the ability to build productive relationships across teams and levels of seniority; including senior leaders, board of directors, regulators, and stakeholders;
- Self-confident with a strong sense of integrity and the ability and willingness to challenge and be challenged;
- Proactive in identifying issues, delivering and escalating key findings, and advising on recommended solutions to correct issues or mitigate risks;
- Ability to communicate oversight findings to colleagues, business partners, and senior leaders;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the UK is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position.
About UsAt American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.
As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.
About the TeamWe back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:
- Competitive base salaries
- Bonus incentives
- Support for financial-well-being and retirement
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
- Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
- Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
- Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
- Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
- Career development and training opportunities
Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Skills Required
- 8+ years of leadership experience in risk management, compliance, treasury, controllership, or similar role
- Strong analytical skills and business acumen with a risk-reward control perspective
- Strong understanding of UK market regulatory requirements and the payments industry
- Experience interacting with regulators and familiarity with the UK's regulatory landscape
- Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple priorities under pressure
- Fluency in English (verbal and written)
- Advanced degree in business, economics, engineering, or a related field
- Professional certifications such as FRM, CFA
- Proven leadership ability to build, inspire, coach a team
- Excellent relationship, influencing and stakeholder management skills including senior leaders and regulators
- Ability and willingness to challenge and be challenged; strong integrity
- Proactive issue identification, escalation, and advisory on remediation or mitigation
- Ability to communicate oversight findings to colleagues, business partners, and senior leaders
- Employment eligibility to work in the UK without visa sponsorship
American Express Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about American Express and has not been reviewed or approved by American Express.
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Healthcare Strength — Pay is often viewed as attractive when combined with comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage that supports day-to-day needs. The benefits package is also framed as especially helpful for those supporting dependents.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are positioned as a meaningful part of total rewards through a 401(k) plan with company matching. Financial wellness services and coaching are also highlighted as strengthening longer-term financial security.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is repeatedly characterized as generous and a valued component of the overall package. Time off and flexibility are presented as helping the total rewards feel more complete beyond base salary.
American Express Insights
What We Do
At American Express, we know that with the right backing, people and businesses have the power to progress in incredible ways. Whether we’re supporting our customers’ financial confidence to move ahead, taking commerce to new heights, or encouraging people to explore the world, our colleagues are constantly striving to uphold our powerful backing promise to our customers and each other every day. These beliefs have been our North Star for 170 years as our business transformed – from helping evacuate travelers during World Wars, to ensuring the safety of our customers’ funds during the Great Depression in the U.S., to creating the Shop Small® movement to help small businesses recover from the Financial Crisis, to providing aid to communities impacted by many natural disasters and so much more. For generations, the key to our success has been the determination and resilience of our American Express colleagues. Now, as a globally integrated payments company, we work together to provide customers with access to products, insights and world-class experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Join us and let’s lead the way together.
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